Who is this for?

Melody maker short on desk space

You want to set up and put away a synth without needing space for a large keyboard. Think about whether pads or a touch surface suit the way you enter melodies.

Creator of repeating dance phrases

You want to enter notes, loop a pattern and save your ideas. Compare the models’ sequencer lengths and pattern memory: Roland and Korg list different numbers of steps and patterns.

Keyboard player who also wants to try chords

You want to play melodies directly and sometimes combine notes. Check the keyboard type and the difference between polyphony and paraphony, as described by Roland, Korg, Arturia and Novation.

What should you look for?

Compact pad control

Best for: You want a small synth without a traditional keyboard, with the option to save patterns. Roland lists four voices, a 64-step sequencer and 64 patterns for the S-1.

Trade-off: Roland describes 26 multifunctional pads, so check that this way of entering notes suits you.

Compact analogue loop synth

Best for: You’re looking for compact controls for short, repeating phrases. Korg specifies a body measuring 193 × 115 × 46 mm and up to three voices for the volca keys.

Trade-off: Korg lists 16 sequencer steps and eight patterns. Compare these limits with the length and storage you need.

Touch keyboard and sound-shaping options

Best for: You want to use a flat touch keyboard and explore different types of digital oscillator. Arturia describes the MicroFreak as having two paraphonic sequencers that can record and play back up to four notes at once.

Trade-off: Paraphony isn’t the same as having four fully independent synth voices, and the flat keyboard has no moving keys.

Playing on full-size keys

Best for: You’d rather play melodies directly on keys and can make more room for them. Novation lists 25 full-size keys for the Bass Station II.

Trade-off: Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic, so don’t assume it offers the same chord-playing options as a fully polyphonic synth.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Space and controls Measure your available space, including room for your hands and cables. Compare both the dimensions and the input method; Korg lists 193 × 115 × 46 mm for the volca keys. If my workspace is small, I want to know whether both the body and the controls will fit. Around 36% of consumers put the space required first.
Entering and saving patterns Compare the number of steps per pattern with the number of memory slots. Korg lists 16 steps and eight patterns for the volca keys; Roland lists 64 steps and 64 patterns for the S-1. If I make repeating dance phrases, I want to know whether a melody will fit into my pattern and whether I can save my ideas. Around 29% of consumers prioritise pattern length and storage.
Notes and keyboard type Check the voice architecture and the controls on the exact model. Roland lists four voices for the S-1, Korg up to three for the volca keys, and Arturia describes paraphonic sequencers for the MicroFreak. If I want to combine notes as well as play a melody line, I look at both the keyboard type and the voice architecture. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing multiple notes at once and the playing style.
Connections and power Compare the connections on both devices and check the power requirements for the exact model. Korg lists MIDI IN, sync in/out and a headphone output for the volca keys; Novation lists MIDI, USB and a headphone output, among other connections, for the Bass Station II. If I want to connect my synth to existing equipment and know how to power it, I want to check the connections and power requirements beforehand. Around 14% of consumers prioritise their existing setup.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing pattern storage with pattern length

    The number of patterns you can save doesn’t tell you how many steps each pattern contains. Korg lists 16 steps per pattern and eight patterns for the volca keys; Roland lists 64 steps and 64 patterns for the S-1.

    Check separately whether your melody will fit into a single pattern and how many ideas you want to save.

  • Mistaking four paraphonic notes for four independent synth voices

    Arturia describes the MicroFreak’s sequencers as paraphonic. When creating chords, that isn’t the same as having four fully independent synth voices.

    Compare the voice architecture listed for the exact model with the notes and chords you want to play.

  • Measuring only the body

    Even if the dimensions work, you may not have enough room for the controls, cables and power supply your setup requires.

    Check in advance which connections and power options are suitable for your equipment. Korg lists six AA batteries or an optional adapter for the volca keys.

    Depending on your setup, you may also need suitable cables, batteries or an optional adapter.

Brands to consider

Roland

The S-1 from the AIRA Compact range is worth considering if you want to enter phrases using pads rather than a traditional keyboard.

  • According to Roland, the S-1 has four voices, a 64-step sequencer and storage for 64 patterns.
  • The 26 multifunctional pads require a different playing style from keys. These are manufacturer specifications, not an independent assessment.

Korg

The volca keys is a compact analogue loop synth for short melodies and limited workspace.

  • Korg specifies up to three voices and a body measuring 193 × 115 × 46 mm.
  • Korg lists 16 sequencer steps and eight patterns. Compare these features with the phrase length and storage you need. The touch surface works differently from conventional keys.

Arturia

The MicroFreak is an option if you want to explore different sound-shaping methods on a compact touch keyboard.

  • Arturia describes digital oscillator types, an analogue filter and two paraphonic sequencers that can record up to four notes at once.
  • Paraphonic notes aren’t the same as four fully independent synth voices. The flat keyboard has no moving keys.

Novation

The Bass Station II is an alternative if playing directly on full-size keys matters more than having the smallest possible unit.

  • Novation lists an arpeggiator and four sequences of up to 32 notes.
  • The larger keyboard takes up more space. Novation describes the instrument as paraphonic.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a polyphonic synthesiser for a dance melody?

Not necessarily for a single melody line. If you also want to play notes at the same time, compare the voices and voice architecture of the exact model: Korg specifies up to three voices for the volca keys, Roland lists four for the S-1, and Arturia describes paraphonic recording of up to four notes for the MicroFreak.

How do I connect a compact synth to my existing equipment?

Check the connections and manuals for both devices; a connection on the synth alone doesn’t confirm that your whole setup is compatible. Korg lists MIDI IN, sync in/out and a headphone output for the volca keys. For the Bass Station II, Novation lists MIDI, USB and a headphone output, among other connections.

What should I check about power and maintenance?

Check the power requirements for the exact model and whether the necessary accessories are included. Korg lists six AA batteries or an optional adapter for the volca keys; Novation lists a supplied adapter and USB as an alternative power source for the Bass Station II. Follow the relevant manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

When you buy from a business online at a distance, you generally have 14 days to change your mind; the Dutch Government lists some exceptions. This is separate from your statutory rights if a product is faulty: the seller is responsible for putting things right. According to the Dutch Government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to all products in the Netherlands.

Does a synthesiser sold in the EU need to carry a CE mark?

A CE mark is required when a product falls under EU rules that require this marking. The European Union explains that the requirement depends on the rules that apply, so check which regulations cover the specific instrument and any power supply. The mark is the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, not a separate quality mark issued by a central EU body.